Greymouth: A fourth explosion in nine days has ripped through a New Zealand coal mine where the volatile conditions have prevented recovery of 29 miners' bodies.
The workers were trapped by the first blast on November 19 and declared dead after a massive second blast five days later.
There were no injuries from Sunday's blast. People working near the mine entrance were moved away from the area for their safety.
Police superintendent Dave Cliff said "we are doing all we can" to recover the victims but the new explosion showed the risks involved and the need to keep rescue workers safe.
The new blast possibly was sparked by methane gas leaking from coal seams and a smouldering fire underground.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, November 28, 2010, 11:15